Leadership and Staff

The Carole Robertson Center for Learning’s staff is comprised of professionals from a range of disciplines, which include education, child development, social work, and youth development. Our staff works collaboratively through an interdisciplinary approach to relation-based practice to best meet the needs of those we serve. Preschool teachers hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in early childhood education or child development and Illinois Professional Educator Licenses with Bilingual or English as a Second Language endorsement. Infant and toddler teachers hold Bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education or child development and the Infant Toddler Credential. Family Support Specialists hold Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Social Work or Human Services. The Carole Robertson Center’s programs are delivered by a workforce representative of those served. This workforce, at all levels within the organization, includes community residents and former program parents and program alumni.

For more information about employment opportunities, please visit our Employment page.

Bela Moté

Bela Moté

Chief Executive Officer

Bela Moté, Chief Executive Officer of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, is an experienced non-profit executive and early childhood professional who has spent her career supporting early childhood and youth development at the local, national and international levels. She is committed to providing high-quality, deeply impactful programs for children, youth, and families. Prior to being named Chief Executive Officer of the Center, Bela served as Vice President, Evidence-Based Youth Development for the YMCA of the USA. She has also held leadership positions with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, the Ounce of Prevention Fund, Teaching Strategies, Inc., and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. She began her career in early childhood as a Montessori preschool teacher and considers that experience to be her North Star. Bela holds a master’s degree in Education from Erikson Institute, is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and participates on many councils and committees. Bela was a Chicago Foundation for Women's Breaking Barriers 2011 honoree.

312.243.7300

bmote@carolerobertsoncenter.org

Executive Leadership Team

  • Sonja Crum Knight

    Sonja Crum Knight

    Vice President, Programs and Impact

    Sonja Crum Knight is the Vice President, Programs and Impact, in this role, she leads the programs team in developing systems and processes to elevate quality and deepen the impact of early childhood programming, community partnerships, family engagement, and mental health. Sonja believes that ensuring equitable early learning for our nation’s most vulnerable children is a matter of social justice. With nearly 16 years of service in early childhood education, Sonja has held a variety of roles working both with and for children and their families. Most recently, Sonja was the Executive Director, Early Learning and Child Development at One Hope United. Sonja is a graduate of Capella University where she earned a PhD in Education. Sonja also holds a master’s degree in early childhood administration from National Louis University and postgraduate certification in online instruction from Roosevelt University.

    312.243.7300, ext.243

    sknight@carolerobertsoncenter.org

  • Kenny Riley

    Kenny Riley

    Director, Out-of-School Time Programs

    Kenny Riley is the Director of Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs. His areas of focus include coaching OST staff and developing programmatic and evaluation strategies that ensure Carole Robertson Center for Learning’s school age programs are aligned with best practices in the field. With 15 years of experience in youth development and program management in non-profits, Kenny brings a unique perspective about the importance of research, data, youth engagement, and staff training. Kenny previously worked as the Program Manager for MAPSCorps and as a Restorative Justice Specialist at the Umoja Student Development Corporation. Kenny holds a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Grand Valley State University as well as a master’s in Community Development from North Park University.

    (773) 521-1600, ext. 114

    kriley@carolerobertsoncenter.org

  • Terri Connor Brankin

    Vice President, Fundraising and Communications

    Terri Connor Brankin joined the Center as our Vice President of Fundraising and Communications in July of 2019. Terri comes with over 20 years’ experience as a lead development professional at some of Chicago’s top nonprofits such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation, Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund and St. Ignatius College Prep. Terri’s deep knowledge includes grant writing, major gift cultivation and solicitations, corporation and foundation relations, strategic planning, team management, and communications that lead to deepening engagement with donors and volunteers. She has a B.A. in English and History from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, completed MBA coursework at North Park University in Accounting, Finance and Business Ethics, and last year earned her CFRE credential as a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

    312.243.7300, ext. 226

    tbrankin@carolerobertsoncenter.org

  • Victoria Small

    Vice President, Finance / Chief Financial Officer

    Victoria Small brings to the Carole Robertson Center her nearly 20 years of Finance, Accounting and Budget management experience, most recently from her work at the Illinois Action for Children. Victoria earned her BA degree in Accounting at Roosevelt University and her MBA with an Accounting and Finance concentration at Keller Graduate School of Management. Known for her nonprofit expertise in precise reporting, streamlining accounting systems and astute budgeting, we welcome Victoria to lead our Finance team!

    312.243.7300, ext. 220

    vsmall@carolerobertsoncenter.org

  • Juleigh Ruby

    Executive Assistant

    Juleigh joined the Carole Robertson Center for Learning in 2018 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She has worked in the not-for-profit world as an Executive Assistant for 18 years, most recently at YMCA of the USA and before that at Rainbow Hospice in Mount Prospect, IL. Originally from Minneapolis, Juleigh holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Humanities from the University of Minnesota. Juleigh is currently pursuing PACE certification with the American Society of Administrative Professionals.

    312.243.7300, ext. 222

    jruby@carolerobertsoncenter.org